The main difference between patriarchy and paternalism is that patriarchy is a system of society where men hold positions of power, mainly excluding women from it, while paternalism is a system under which the people in authority restrict the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in their supposed interest.
Although these two terms sound similar, there is no direct connection between patriarchy and paternalism. However, we can argue that paternalism is a feature of patriarchal society. In such a society, men, especially those in power, interfere in the lives of women and restrict their autonomy under the claim of protecting them or making their lives better.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Patriarchy
– Definition, Features
2. What is Paternalism
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Patriarchy and Paternalism
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Patriarchy, Paternalism 
What is Patriarchy
Patriarchy basically refers to a general social or governmental structure where men hold the position of power while excluding women mainly from it. A patriarchal society has a male-dominated power structure where men have supreme power and predominate in roles of political leadership, social privilege, moral authority as well as control of property. Patriarchy is a result of the historically unequal power relations between men and women.
The literal meaning of the word patriarchy means ‘the rule of the father’. In a patriarchal family, it is the father who holds the authority to make every economic, moral or social decision, even decisions regarding other family members.
Women in a patriarchal society are disadvantaged and suppressed. Moreover, there is a noticeable under-representation of women in employment and industry as well as main stain institutions, particularly in decision-making policies. Male violence against women is another key indicator of patriarchy. Furthermore, obedience, submission, and humility are qualities a patriarchal society value in women.
What is Paternalism
Paternalism is a system under which the people in authority restrict the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in their supposed interest. In such a system, people in authority undertakes to supply needs or regulate the conduct of those under their control. The Standard Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines it as the “interference of a state or an individual with another person, against their will, and defended or motivated by a claim that the person interfered with will be better off or protected from harm”. The concept of paternalism typically involves conflicting claims between authoritative social control and individual liberty. The compulsory wearing of seatbelts and anti-drug legislation are two examples of paternalism that involves the state. We can observe paternalism in other contexts, too; for example, in a medical context, physicians withholding relevant information concerning a patient’s condition.
Moreover, there are different forms of paternalism, including soft and hard, pure and impure, and moral and welfare. In soft paternalism, paternalism can be justified if an action to be committed is involuntary. But in hard paternalism, paternalism can be justified even if the action is voluntary. In pure paternalism, a person’s liberty is taken away to protect him, but in impure paternalism, the class of persons interfered with is greater than the class being protected.
Relationship Between Patriarchy and Paternalism
We can argue that paternalism is a feature of a patriarchal society. In such a society, men, especially those in power, interfere in the lives of women and restrict their autonomy under the claim of protecting them or making their lives better.
Difference Between Patriarchy and Paternalism
Definition
Patriarchy is a system of society where men hold positions of power and women are mainly excluded from it. Paternalism, on the other hand, is a system under which the people in authority restrict the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in their supposed interest.
Gender
Sex and gender are the main deciding factors in patriarchy, but theoretically, there is no direct connection between paternalism and gender.
Conclusion
The main difference between patriarchy and paternalism is that patriarchy is a system of society where men hold positions of power and women are mainly excluded from it, while paternalism is a system under which the people in authority restrict the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in their supposed interest.
Reference:
1. Dworkin, Gerald. “Paternalism.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 9 Sept. 2020.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Sexism” by corpus delicti from the Noun Project
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